Two Strong Sisters Connected

Two Strong Sisters Connected is the coming together of celebrated Victorian Elders and artists Aunty Eileen Harrison and Aunty Rochelle Patten. The exhibition features new and existing works from both artists.

With over 38 works on display, Two Strong Sisters Connected chronicles the women’s individual stories and shared similarities that extend beyond art despite growing up in different regions of Victoria. Aunty Eileen Harrison is a Kurnai Elder born on Lake Tyres Trust in west Gippsland and Aunty Rochelle Patten is a Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba Elder from Mooroopna.

Two Strong Sisters Connected takes you on a journey through the stories of the artists, sharing matriarchal cultural knowledge, passed down from mothers and grandmothers for thousands of generations. It is through the strength of their friendship and shared experiences of the good times and the hard times of growing up on Country, caring for animals, the environment and the strong presence of culture and history that their works connect. The spirit of sisterhood and enduring love for culture shines through these works celebrating the strength of Victorian Koorie Culture. A deep connection to country, culture and family are interwoven through each artwork.

Both women are mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers, respected community Elders and celebrated artists. Aunty Eileen Harrison has had three solo exhibitions, a touring exhibition and was awarded the 2004 NAIDOC Victorian Artist of the Year and Aunty Rochelle Patten has exhibited around Australia and was nominated for the prestigious Ros Bower Memorial Award.

This exhibition of the intricate and detailed work of Aunty Eileen Harrison and Aunty Rochelle Patten will connect visitors to two respected artists and Elders coming together from opposite regions of Victoria.